Things to do in Shimoda

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Tokai region

Izu Peninsula

Izu Peninsula is a peninsula formed by volcanic activity. Two of the world's rare volcanic arcs converge here, creating a diverse landscape interwoven with hot springs, volcanic rock coasts, and mountain valleys. The peninsula is surrounded by the sea on three sides, offering a rich variety of scenery, from rugged coastlines to the dense forests and deep valleys of the Amagi Mountains. Hot springs are Izu's signature attraction. Shuzenji Onsen is said to have been established over 1,000 years ago and is a historic hot spring town on the peninsula. The hot spring street is built along the Katsura River, featuring the serene and deep Bamboo Forest Path, with Tokko-no-yu resting quietly in between. Atami and Ito on the east coast offer a different vacation atmosphere, where hotels stand by the sea, allowing you to enjoy ocean views while soaking in the hot springs. Traces of volcanic activity can be found all over the peninsula. Jogasaki Coast is a volcanic rock coast formed after lava from the eruption of Mt. Omuro approx. 4,000 years ago flowed into the sea, cooled, and was eroded by waves over many years. It spans approx. 9 km, and the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge hangs over the cliffs. Mt. Omuro itself is a perfectly round volcanic cone, and you can see a panoramic view of Izu from the summit. Dogashima on the west coast is famous for its sea caves; when you take a boat into Tensodo Cave, light pours down from the gap in the ceiling onto the water, creating a blue glow. Seafood is also a major feature of Izu. Being surrounded by the sea on three sides makes the local seafood exceptionally fresh. Splendid alfonsino is a representative local fish species, commonly found in hot spring hotels and coastal restaurants.

No. 14 of Best Things to Do in Shizuoka Prefecture

Shimoda Floating Aquarium

Shimoda Marine Aquarium is a unique aquarium located in a beautiful inlet in Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture, making full use of the natural sea. Unlike typical aquariums, it features a "bay-type" exhibit that utilizes the actual ocean as is, allowing visitors to observe marine life living vibrantly in an environment close to its natural habitat up close. Inside the aquarium, you can encounter popular animals such as dolphins, sea lions, and penguins, with the dolphin performance being a particular highlight. The dynamic jumps and synchronized routines with trainers, performed on a spacious ocean stage, are breathtaking and captivate many visitors. There are also plenty of interactive programs where you can get up close and personal with the dolphins, creating unforgettable memories. Furthermore, the aquarium features a tank area displaying a variety of marine life, including fish and jellyfish, allowing visitors to leisurely enjoy viewing them in a fantastical setting. In the touch pool, visitors can actually touch starfish, sea cucumbers, and other marine creatures, making it a rich collection of interactive exhibits that children and adults alike can enjoy and learn from. One of its biggest attractions is its location surrounded by nature, allowing visitors to leisurely stroll through the grounds while enjoying the sea breeze. The facility also has a restaurant and a gift shop where you can enjoy Izu's unique cuisine and souvenirs. Shimoda Marine Aquarium, where you can experience the allure of the sea while connecting with nature, is a recommended spot not only for family trips but also for couples and friends. Why not escape from everyday life and spend some time relaxing in the world of the sea?

No. 1 of Activities in Shizuoka Prefecture

Hot Springs on Izu Peninsula

Izu is known as the town of hot springs and has a thousand-year hot spring culture. Kuroneiwa Hot Spring is a wild open-air hot spring facing the sea in Izu Kitagawa. It is said that fishermen discovered that the rocks were not covered with seaweed, so they discovered hot springs around it. "When you soak in the hot spring, you can see the Pacific Ocean from a zero angle." This is the special feature of Kurogen Rock Hot Spring. Toi Hot Spring is the oldest hot spring in Nishi-Izu. It is a very representative hot spring in the area and has a very early history. Around 1611, when locals were developing Toi Kaneyama, they discovered the hot spring gushing from the pit in Anraku Temple. , the locals call it MABU. Moreover, there is an open-air hot spring on the spacious balcony, and there are deck chairs next to the hot spring. Visitors can enjoy the hot spring while overlooking Suruga Bay, Mount Fuji, etc.

Shirahama beach

Izu Peninsula's southern Shirahama beach, as its name suggests, has white sand, which makes the seawater appear even clearer and bluer. The sand on the beach is free of impurities and feels comfortable underfoot. The seawater is clear and very clean. Many people come to visit in the summer. There aren't many shops nearby, so if you didn't bring everything you need, your options for purchasing items are limited. There are many parking lots nearby. Some have bathrooms where you can pay to shower, but they do not provide body wash or shampoo, and there are no lockers.

Watch！Touch！Amazing！ i Zoo

The somatosensory zoo iZoo is a reptile breeding facility. While breeding and researching, it is based on the concept of "intimacy with animals". Here, you can watch snakes, lizards and turtles from all over the world, and you can also get close to them. In addition, you can also take pictures with giant pythons and tortoises. Children weighing less than 30kg ride on the back of tortoises to take pictures, which is also a great charm of the zoo. Ninety percent of the main building is indoors, so you can visit it even on rainy days.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Higashiizu

Izu Kyuko Line

Taking the Izu Express Sea View Train running along the coastline, tourists can choose to get off at a nearby stop at any time and directly enjoy the beautiful scenery of the coast. Or sit in the panoramic seats lined up facing the sea and take in all the views. The unforgettable scenery of Izu is sure to impress you.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Tokai region

Izu Shaboten Park

This popular tourist spot spreads out at the foot of Omuroyama in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Visitors can admire approximately 1,500 varieties of cacti and succulents, as well as interact with animals from around the world such as capybaras, squirrel monkeys, kangaroos, and red pandas. In the park, free-roaming animals live freely, allowing visitors to observe them up close and enjoy feeding experiences. The winter-limited "capybara open-air bath" is particularly famous nationwide and is a popular event that attracts many tourists. Additionally, the park's greenhouse displays rare cacti and succulents collected from around the world, allowing visitors to learn about nature's mysteries and plant diversity. This facility is recommended not only for families and couples but also for anyone who loves animals and plants. How about spending a memorable time at Izu Shaboten Park, where you can enjoy interacting with animals and admiring plants surrounded by the beautiful nature of Izu?

Kawazu Sakura

The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Attraction is located in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is a natural Attraction famous for its early spring cherry blossom viewing. From mid-February to early March every year, Kawazu cherry blossoms begin to bloom, becoming one of the places in Japan that welcomes the cherry blossom season earlier. Kawazu cherry blossoms attract a large number of tourists with their bright pink color and long flowering period, bringing the breath of spring to the earth after the cold winter. There are about 8,000 cherry trees in the Attraction that stretch for several kilometers along both sides of the Kawazu River, forming a spectacular cherry blossom tunnel. Visitors can stroll along the riverside trails, immerse themselves in the fragrance and beauty of cherry blossoms, and enjoy the perfect combination of nature and flowers. In addition to cherry blossom viewing, Kawazu Town also offers a wealth of local special activities, such as cherry blossom festivals and local food stalls, so that tourists can experience the local cultural charm while enjoying the visual experience.

Ryugu Sea Cave

No. 7 of Hot Springs Attractions in Japan

Mt. Omuro

Mt. Omuro is located in the Izu Highlands and was formed by volcanic eruptions. Its perfectly round, symmetrical silhouette makes it a recognizable local landmark, often described as looking like an overturned bowl. At the center of the summit is a bowl-shaped crater with a circular trail along the rim. The interior of the crater is a gentle grassy slope that has long featured an archery range, and a Sengen Shrine is built on the east side. To protect the mountain's vegetation, visitors must take a chairlift to the summit. The summit offers expansive views. On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji, the Hakone mountains, the Amagi mountain range, and the Izu Islands in the sea, making it a great spot to overlook the surrounding scenery. Due to the long-standing tradition of burning the mountain to clear weeds, the slopes are free of trees and covered only by neat grass. The unique natural landscape and expansive views offer visitors a unique high-altitude sightseeing and walking experience.